Willem David Schilder was born on the 3rd of December, 1996 at Ellsworth
Air Force Base, South Dakota. As a result of his father’s Air Force career,
Willem moved many times during his early life and made his first move two
weeks after his birth to Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. Then the
family moved to Abilene, Texas. In 2001 at age five he was diagnosed with
Type I Diabetes which he was able to manage prudently. He then moved to
Edwards Air Force Base, California before settling in to his third elementary
school in Woodbridge, Virginia in 2006. Willem continued through school
in Virginia, ran for the track team, and graduated with academic honors
from Osbourn Park High School in 2015.
After graduation, Willem attended Virginia Tech to pursue his
studies in Criminology. During the summers home from college Willem
worked at Prince William County Locust Shade Park where he enjoyed
working outdoors. He graduated in May of 2019 with a Bachelor of
Science in Sociology specializing in Criminology. Willem was passionate
about helping people and he went on to work as a counselor after college
graduation.
The youngest of three brothers, Willem enjoyed playing tag,
computer games, basketball, play-wrestling, photography, camping, and
fishing. Willem continued long-distance running after high school and
loved to run five-kilometer races with his father. He also enjoyed botany
and visited many botanical gardens in the US and Europe with his family.
An avid reader, talented writer, and illustrator; he wrote a short story for
his niece.
Willem was a joy to his family and all who knew him. While his
life was cut short, we feel fortunate and blessed that he was with us for 23
years. Willem will live in heaven and our hearts forever.
A memorial service for Willem will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday February 1, 2020
Lutheran Church of the Covenant
15008 Cloverdale Road, Dale City VA 22193
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in remembrance of Willem to the Juvenile
Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF): https://tinyurl.com/willemschilder
Recent Stories
The Town of Dumfries has postponed the kickoff of its free Summer Movie Nights series due to rainy weather in the forecast.
At first glance, it looked like a typical hospital simulation: blinking mannequins, beeping monitors, and focused students practicing CPR and drawing blood. But for 14-year-old students like those in the room at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, it was a first glimpse into what a future career in medicine might look like.
Prince William Public Libraries is inviting residents to help shape the future of their local libraries by completing a short survey open now through July 31, 2025.
A Gainesville man is facing multiple charges after police say he sexually assaulted a juvenile girl sometime earlier this summer.
The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Christmas in July
Volunteer Prince William will be holding a fun-filled Christmas in July event at Heritage Brewing Co on July 26th from 12pm until 6pm with all proceeds going to support the 2025 Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket Program. Untrim-A-Tree and Senior Basket
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
